As the name of my blog indicates, I spend a lot of time thinking about home. Of course, my Heavenly Home is the one that is eternal, so that’s where I need to lay up my treasures, and that’s the one I’m striving for. But in the meantime, I have been given this tiny piece of the here-and-now—this home on the edge of town, this family, this neighborhood—in which to serve Him. And, though this is in the earthly realm, I want the things that happen here to be investments in the Heavenly realm.




Thursday, July 31, 2014

{Gathering the Moments} July



"The Little Beach"



Moving Day for my sister...

Making an omelet with bounty from the garden.





Birthday girls: Eve, 7, and Maddie, 10
(Thanks to Sarah for photos from Maine!)


I am ever amazed at how quickly the calendar turns from one page to another. On and on we go, day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year...those pages just keep turning and the things that happened just a short time ago really happened twenty years ago and it all goes so fast. 


Some months hold the end of a chapter. Some, the beginning of another chapter. Sometimes there are both. Often the endings and the beginnings are nearly imperceptible, and unless we're watching closely and minding the moments, we can miss them. 

* * *

July is the month that my sister moved. The month that Bekah learned to make an omelet. The month that Kati had another health crisis (although "crisis" is too strong a word because all is well, but can't things like that give pause for thought?!)

July is the month that we ate summer food...seafood, garden produce (ours and others'). 

July is the month that Kati hosted a game party for friends. The month that we all hosted the five nearby grands for the summer sleepover.

July is the month that I got some more pieces of The Grandmother Dishes, and we washed up the cups and saucers and drank apricot tea on a Sunday evening. The month that I thought about my aunt, Lynn, and the fact that last July no one even knew that she was sick and The Grandmother Dishes were hers. And now they're mine (but I'd rather have Lynn). 

July is the month that we took time. For a trip to The Little Beach. For meandering drives, iced coffees in hand. For dinner with new(ish) friends. For an afternoon at Chuck E. Cheese's because Bekah said that she was not too old for it yet. For a trip to a water park with the two oldest grands. For smelling (and watering) the flowers, and for noticing their changes as the days pass.

July is the month that two grandgirlies grew another year older. The month that Eve learned to swim. The month that Maddie moved into double digits.

* * *

And so, I am minding the moments...and savoring them.

One never knows just when a chapter will begin or end...




Again this month, I am inviting you to join me in "gathering the moments." You may wish to share two or three photos, or several collages, or bunches of photos...with words, or without words. The link-up below will be a gathering place for us to reflect and share and connect. (The link-up will stay open for a week, so you have plenty of time to gather.)


Thinking About Home





17 comments:

  1. Beautiful July, Cheryl. Your words are so true, 20 years can go by in a flash!

    I'll be back to "Gather" with you.

    Deanna

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  2. LOVE LOVE LOVE how you did this. Both the pictures and your words! And your soo right of course. Those moments flash by and we NEED to mind them, for they go faster then we think. Enjoy your day!

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  3. Thank you for hosting this series, Cheryl. I love how you've made me pause and ponder and gather the good things to my mind. It is a blessing!
    Your month had a lot of happenings, which you've put together so nicely. The care and attention that you give to your family are reflected so deeply in all the little things. I think that is called devotion. And it is beautiful!

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  4. You always make me think! One of the things I think is what a big, beautiful family you have and what wonderful photos documenting your joys. Thank you for hosting!

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  5. I see that cup of tea snuck in there. :-) And notice how your photos are filled with smiles and happiness! Blessings abound. And love your words too. Thanks for hosting!

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  6. Beautiful thoughts on minding the moments, along with lovely photos.

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  7. You have had a very full meaningful month for sure. Enjoyed reading your thoughts and seeing your collages!

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  8. I always enjoy seeing your month in photos Cheryl.
    Especially the many moments you are so lucky to share with your children and grandcildren.

    I live in hope that one day my family will return home one day and can be part of our lives too.
    After all that's the essence of life for us.

    Many treasured memories to hold forever in your lovely post.
    I spotted the "Grandmother's tea cup too"!!!



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  9. Sounds like a terrific month to me!

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  10. Thanks for the reminder to "mind the moments". Such a gift we have and I don't want to miss any of them!

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  11. I love the line up at Chuckie Cheese, yes, yes we must "mind the moments" documenting those moments has been such a reminder of God's blessings. I love how you include all the simple everyday in your gatherings

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  12. It looks like you had a lovely month! We had a lovely month too despite summer colds and hubby breaking his wrist and dislocating his elbow. :o)

    It's so much easier to focus on all of the good that God has blessed us with, when we purposely choose to gather the moments! :o) I use my instagram for remembering and gathering.

    May August be filled with many beautiful moments!

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  13. You and yours live such a full, meaningful and fun life!

    Betty

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  14. I can see that you had a very busy month making memories with your sweet family. Time is passing by so fast these days. I have been pondering lately those 20 years that you mentioned. Hubby and I have had several discussions on the swiftly moving years. I want to be careful to "mind the moments" as you said.
    Beautiful post and photos, Cheryl! Enjoy your weekend!

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  15. Minding the moments... yes, a good reminder.

    I've been minding some memories of old moments today on my blog. Seems to be the thought of the heart for others as well.

    Kindred hearts, that would be.

    Enjoyed my visit and seeing all those lovely photos.

    Wishing you a beautiful rest of the day,
    Brenda

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  16. PS... Wanted to let you know that I mention your Gather the Moments project in my posting the other day.

    http://beautiful.wordfromhome.com/2014/08/simply-sunday-got-minute.html

    Off gathering moments...
    Brenda


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  17. Great food for thought on this post. I really enjoyed it. The months do seem to be flying by lately. I just came over from Balisha's.

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